Residents Learn About – and Weigh In On – The Future of Ward Plaza

If you live in the City’s Fourth Ward, you might have gotten a special invite in April to a meeting at Ward Plaza. Ward Plaza is the mostly empty shopping center at Valley and Weems Avenues, with just a Family Dollar left. The City has big plans to change that, as part of a project to improve four areas, including what’s now called “Cedar Valley” around Ward Plaza. People voted on the new name earlier this year, picking Cedar Valley over other choices. The City’s goal is to replace old buildings and parking lots with new homes, shops, and green spaces, creating better neighborhoods for everyone.

This project is called the “Neighborhood Design District” or NDD for short. Right now, two areas are part of the NDD: Cedar Valley (where Ward Plaza is) and Cider Hill on the north side of the City. Two more areas, Berryville Avenue and the Federal Mogul site, will be worked on next year. The City wants residents’ ideas to help shape these changes, so there’s a committee with people from the community and the City Council. They also hold meetings to keep everyone updated and hear from the public. At the April 17 meeting, about 100 people came to learn about the plans, and the City will keep sharing updates through emails and their website.